Unplug it It’s a good idea to unplug any unnecessary appli- ances while you’ll be gone: computers, TVs, coffee makers, toasters, even lamps (other than any you have on timers). “It might not make that much difference in energy saving, but if the power goes off or there’s any kind of surge, it can actually damage your equipment and cause further damage to your home,” Klimek says. You’ll also want to check any drain hoses, such as for your furnace and air conditioning, to “unplug” any clogs before you go, Smith says. In winter, check to make sure there’s no snow drifts blocking your furnace vent outside and have the person checking your house watch for this every couple of days too. “If the snow gets higher than the exhaust for the furnace, it will block that exhaust, sending carbon monoxide back into your house, which will shut down your furnace,” Smith says, adding that replacing your furnace filter before a vacation is also a good idea. A dead furnace means a cold house — or even freezing, if the temps outside are extra low — leading to poten- tial disasters like frozen or burst pipes.
Replacing your furnace filter before a vacation is also a good idea.
PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY
Both Smith and Klimek recommend leaving a list with the person checking in on your house so if something does go wrong, they’ll know who to call.
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Leave a list Both Smith and Klimek recommend leaving a list with the person checking in on your house so if something does go wrong, they’ll know who to call, whether it’s your furnace company, a plumber or your insur- ance company. If you’re lucky, they won’t have to use the list. But if something does go wrong, you’ll be glad you prepared for the possibility and hopefully prevented a catastrophe.
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